The Great Stadium Debate – the Hamilton Edition

Today is D-Day. No, not the famous Allied landings on the beaches of Normany on June 6 1944 that many cite as the beginning of the end of World War 2. Here in Hamilton, August 10 2010 is Decision Day, when we learn where the proposed Pan Am Games stadium is to be built. The bulk of my entry today is based on something that I wrote this past weekend on the Hamilton Spectator Facebook page. After some further reflection, however, I thought it might be fun to share this with a wider audience. But before I do that, a brief “back-story” about this stadium issue

In November 2009, the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), meeting in Guadelajara, Mexico, awarded the right to host the 2015 Pan American Games to Toronto. For those not familiar with this, you could say that these are very much like the Summer Olympic Games, but only for nations of the Western Hemisphere. As in North, Central and South America, along with the many Caribbean islands. Like the Olympics, the Pan Ams are held every four years.

Although the Games were awarded to Toronto, the bid itself was structured so that cities and towns across the region could benefit by having many of the events placed in various locations throughout Southern Ontario. And as part of the bid, it was suggested that Hamilton serve as one of the key hosts of the Games. To the point where it was suggested that our city would host the track and field events, in a suitably designed stadium, which after the Games would then become the new home of the Hamilton Tiger Cats. But that’s not all. It was also suggested that Hamilton could host other events, such as cycling at a new velodrome. Other athletic facilities would be built at McMaster University, which would allow other sports to be contested here.

At first, it seemed like a slam-dunk that the new stadium would be built at what is commonly known as the West Harbour, a piece of underdeveloped formerly industrial land on the waterfront. Right next door to Bayfront Park. If you read my last entry, then you will recognize it as the place where much of the Hamilton Mardi Gras Festival took place this past weekend. The plan was to build it as a 15,000 to 20,000 seat stadium to be used primarily for track and field, but with a design that would allow it to be expanded to something like 30,000 or more after the Games as the new home of the Tiger Cats. It appeared that it was all a done deal. It only needed approval of the 3 levels of government (federal, provincial and Hamilton City Council). What could possibly go wrong? Let’s call for tenders, have the groundbreaking, put the shovels in the ground and get the damned thing built.

But a few months later, problems began to appear. Some began to note that since the West Harbour was in fact an old industrial brownfields site, the land could contain potentially toxic materials that needed to be cleaned out. Others cited that the land required for the stadium, along with the velodrome planned to be built next door, was too small and that some nearby homes would need to be expropriated. People who in some cases had lived in their homes for 40, 50 or more years would suddenly be homeless. Not to mention the damage to the local community. Others noted the lack of major roads and highways in the immediate area, making it difficult to access the site.

Then the Tiger Cats, who originally appeared to be co-operative and supportive of the West Harbour site, suddenly did an about-face. Led by Bob Young, the team’s owner (or as he likes to call himself “the Caretaker”), the team began to point out negatives. The biggest one being that the site was not economically viable. Without some major changes, the Cats would be in serious financial trouble – to the point where the team might fold or move to another city.

It wasn’t long before we all began to realize that the Cats position was very different from the City of Hamilton, who were particularly bullish on the West Harbour site because it could serve as a catalyst for renewal and revival in the city’s downtown core. This is a critical issue, and if you live here or have visited Hamilton’s downtown, you know that this has been a “hot-button” issue for many years.

By the spring of 2010, with time now becoming an issue and the Games organizers pressing for a decision, the City and the Tiger Cats decided to appoint a Facilitator to help find a workable solution for all parties. And as part of that, a second possible location, now known as the East Mountain, was suggested. The reactions could be seen a mile or more away. The City, and Mayor Fred Eisenberger in particular, rejected the whole thing out of hand. They really wanted the West Harbour, and pushed for it harder than ever. The Tiger Cats, led by Bob Young, absolutely loved it. They even offered to throw in some money to help pay for the stadium. And work to bring more events to it, such as a brand new professional sports franchise, a soccer team. Over time, it became a heated issue – with Hamiltonians arguing passionately for either location. As one might expected we ever had Web sites spring up in support of each side as follows:

Two things finally brought things to a head – first, the Games organizing committee decided to move the track and field events to Toronto and instead bring the soccer games to Hamilton. Second, the same committee imposed a deadline of August 12 for the City and the Cats to decide. Not only was time getting tight, but it was destroying Hamilton’s reputation. Instead of many positive impressions, Hamilton was now being perceived by those near and far as a city in turmoil and conflict – a place that had trouble deciding and coming to a final answer.

And so we come to today. To a debate that is going on ever now as I write these words (ca. 11:15). I am actually writing this at our regular Tuesday morning HAPPEN meeting in Mississauga. When you look at the timing, such as finishing off the meeting, moving things to our on-site storage locker, having lunch and then taking a GO Transit bus back home, I likely will not be home until mid to late afternoon. Let’s say 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. I would almost lay odds that the discussion will still be going on, and the final vote will be sometime tonight. No matter what site is chosen, Hamilton will never be the same.

Now, let me offer you all those Facebook comments, and then close off with some brief comments after that:

I think the East Mountain is a much better location than WH, if only for one very important reason. Highways. The East Mountain site is roughly at the intersection of the Linc and Red Hill Valley Expwys. The only major highways even close to West Harbour are the 403 and the QEW going over the Skyway. Even Ivor Wynne has better highway access.

We can talk all we want about public transit, a new GO station in the area (perhaps at LIUNA Station) and/or other infrastructure improvements as part of the West Harbour redevelopment. And I suspect all that will happen in any event. But let’s not fool ourselves here. We are a “car-oriented” culture. People would rather drive to a stadium rather than use public transit. That is until the price of gas gets to something like $10 a litre. But in the meantime, the East Mountain site already has many of the highway and other road services you need, and that plays a key role in making the new stadium economically viable.

And for people like me who don’t own a car? Simple. HSR already runs shuttle buses to Ivor Wynne on game days. No doubt they will continue to do that in future, regardless of where the stadium goes. Maybe GO Transit, Burlington Transit and other regional public transit providers will do the same.

What would I do with the West Harbour? Redevelop it in tandem with Bayfront Park next door. Tie the 2 properties together. Put in walking trials and other low-density development. Perhaps a concert amphitheatre that could be used for outdoor concerts in the summer. Like many people I still miss the “Forum” at Ontario Place. That was so well designed, complete with the revolving stage and the grassy hillsides overlooking it. Why not recreate the Forum at the West Harbour. Would make a great home for events like the Brott Summer Music Festival.

That’s all for now. Like all of Hamilton, I am watching this debate with great interest, and tomorrow’s Council vote should be fascinating. I wish Council the very best, and regardless of which site is chosen, may the decision reflect whatever is truly in our City’s best interests.

By the time you read this, especially if it’s anytime after tomorrow (August 11), a decision will have been made. We’ll know where the new stadium will go. Or the City may decide not to bother at all. Let’s all hope that the decision made is the right one and that we can move forward to what everyone really wants – a “win-win” that makes Hamilton proud, and the Tiger Cats a strong and vital football team that will be part of Hamilton’s fabric for generations to come.